A new year of Workforce Development Apprenticeship training is underway at College of Western Idaho (CWI), bringing together students, instructors, and staff for another year of hands-on learning and career advancement in Idaho's skilled trades.
This Fall 2026 semester, approximately 450 new apprenticeship students began their first year in CWI's Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC Apprenticeship programs. They join returning apprentices as CWI prepares for another year of apprenticeship training across the three trades.
"This has been the best Apprenticeship fall launch, with over 1,700 students expected to be served in 2026-2027 Academic Year," said Director of Business and Manufacturing Programs for Workforce Development, Marc Swinney. "I am so proud of our team and extended team for all the hard work and dedication they put into this launch. We could not have done it without the new leadership of our AVP, Trevi Hardy."
CWI's Workforce Development apprenticeship programs provide students with classroom instruction while they gain required experience on the job. Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC programs typically take four years to complete, with optional pathways available to condense that timeline.
Courses are offered in Hyflex, providing both classroom and online flexibility, as well as fully online formats. The academic year is divided into four eight-week sessions — A, B, C, and D — allowing apprentices to complete required instruction while continuing to work in their trade.
Upon completing CWI's apprenticeship training, students with 8,000 documented hours of on-the-job experience and a completion letter from CWI can test for their journeyman card. Reaching journeyman status can represent a significant career milestone, with wages increasing approximately $20 to $30 per hour compared to when apprentices begin their careers.
This year's launch was the result of months of preparation focused on improving the student experience.
"We started early this spring with student and contractor surveys to gather stakeholder input for program continuous improvement," Swinney said. "That was followed by long and engaged extended-team planning sessions using the Program-Analysis-Recommendation format, and staff really responded with creative solutions and innovative ideas."
Those efforts led to several changes designed to help apprentices get started and stay on track. CWI's Workforce Development Operations team streamlined the registration process, while the apprenticeship team reworked how course deadlines are handled to improve student outcomes. Workforce Development Instructional Designer, Stacie Chappell, also reworked course shells and improved syllabi to create a stronger and more consistent classroom experience.
As classes approached, the apprenticeship team hosted three Drop-In. Get-Started events at three locations, giving students opportunities to receive assistance and prepare for their courses.
CWI's Work-Based Learning Center also hosted two new student orientations to connect first-year apprentices with resources and help them understand what to expect. During the first week of classes, the Center hosted its best-attended job fair, connecting apprentices with employment opportunities and employers seeking skilled workers.
For the 450 students beginning their apprenticeship journey this fall — and the estimated 1,700 expected to be served throughout the year — that support helps create a stronger pathway toward the education, experience, and credentials needed to advance in the skilled trades.
“I’m really proud of how our team came together to improve the new student experience for first-year apprentices,” said AVP of Employer Partnerships & Workforce Development, Trevi Hardy. “Through the collaborative efforts of the Work-Based Learning Center and Student Success Coaches, Instructional Designer, Stacie Chappell, our Operations Admin team, Glenn Karn, and Lora McLaurin, we’re ensuring apprentices have the support, resources, and guidance they need to be successful. These improvements position us to expand capacity, support industry workforce needs, and play a meaningful role in helping Idaho reach Governor Little’s goal of 8,000 registered apprentices by 2029.”
Build the skills and experience you need to advance in a high-demand trade. Explore CWI’s Electrical, Plumbing, and HVAC apprenticeship programs and take the next step toward your career.
